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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A note from our sponsor...

Dear Readers,

Last Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, I suffered a major attack. I am here today, still writing this blog, because both my husband and I knew the warning signs, and took them seriously. I am only 53, and have no markers indicating I was at risk. I have never smoked, do not have diabetes, always had normal cholesterol levels, and do not have a serous family history of heart disease. There was no warning signs. I felt fine all day, went to bed, and woke up shortly after feeling queasy. Within minutes, I was vomiting, sweating, and had tremendous back and chest pain, as well as shortness of breath.
My husband gave me an aspirin to chew, and called 911. In less than an hour, I was being prepped for emergency angioplasty. There was a 100% blockage in a main artery. A stent was put in, and I'm home recovering. Of course, this means serious life changes in diet and exercise, as well as a myriad of daily prescription drugs. And I will need to return for additional angioplasty sometime after the 1st of the year for two other arteries with blockage. But I consider myself lucky. If I had questioned my symptoms, fearing ridicule, I would surely have gone into cardiac arrest, and things might be different today.

This blog receives nearly 2000 page views a month from all over the world. In gratitude for my life, I am posting this chart of heart attack symptoms. If it saves at least one life, it will have been worth it.

Thank you for your kindness and support,

Vicki aka "madame Mystery"

Symptom

Description

Chest discomfort or pain

This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.

Upper body pain

Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.

Stomach pain

Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.

Shortness of breath

You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort or you may not experience any chest discomfort.

Anxiety

You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.

Lightheadedness

In addition to chest pressure, you may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.

Vicki I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. Thank God you got help in time. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself. Thank you for letting us know and for the information. Keep us posted ok :)Big Hugs for you Maria

vicki, so glad you got help so quickly, yes you will have to look to your life stlye, but do not let it take over your life, be aware, be understanding but still go on living, I speak from experience, I had a heart attack and both lungs full of clots, died but they got me back, now on loads of tabs to keep me going, but in the begining i di not move through fear of some thing happening, it didn't and I am still here, so now every day is a blessing, so enjoy your life and stay well, bless you x

Thank you Debbie for your kind support. I know what you mean. Feeling a bit apprehensive about my limits, but determined not to make this unfortunate incident the center of my life. Hoping to get back to my classroom very soon. Miss my kids and the ladies I work with. And of course, writing about Fr. Kevin and the gang keeps my mind busy. Appreciate the advice from someone who knows...thanks! Hope you are doing well too!